Shaving system with a fixed edge between the blade edge and the guard

ABSTRACT

A shaving system includes air engaging edge structure fixed in position between a guard member and the cutting edge of a blade member. The hair engaging edge portion has an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke the edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke.

United States Patent 1191 Nissen et a1. Mar. 18, 1975 [54] SHAVING SYSTEM WITH A FIXED EDGE 3,660,893 /1972 Welsh 30/50 BETWEEN T E BL EDGE AND THE 3,703,764 11/1972 Perry 30/47 X 3,768,162 /1973 Perry /50 X GUARD [75] Inventors: Warren 1. Nissen, Topsfield; Roger FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS L. Perry, Lynnfield Center of Germany Mass 1,140,837 12/1962 Germany 30/34.2

[73] Assignee: The Gmeue Company Boston Primary E.\'umincr-Al Lawrence Smith Mass Assistant E.\'aminerGary L. Smith [22} Filed: Nov. 17, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 307,457 [57] ABSTRACT A shaving system includes air engaging edge structure fixed in position between a guard member and the cut- [52] US. Cl 30/34.2, 30/50, 30/75 ting edge of a blade member The hair engaging edge [51] 111K. C1 B261) 21/06, B261) 21/..2 portion has an effective dimension relative to the [58] held of Search mension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the 30/47 course of a normal shaving stroke the edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion [56] References C'ted in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping ef- UNITED STATES PATENTS feet on the individual hair elements which pulls them 1.579.844 4/1926 Smith 30/50 outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving sys- 2.335.547 11/1943 Smith 30/50 tem is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke. 2.361.921 11/1944 Albert 30/50 2.817.146 12/1957 Roberts 30/77 x 14 Clam, 17 Drawmg Flgures mums sum 1 0F 4 PATENTEI] NARI 8 I975 FIGS PATENTEDHAR 1 8 ms sum 2 or 4 FIG 6 PATENTED' 3.871 .973

sum u 95 g FIG 9 FIG IO I SHAVING SYSTEM WITH A FIXED EDGE BETWEEN THE BLADE EDGE AND THE GUARD SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention relates to shaving systems.

Numerous efforts have been made to devise improved shaving systems which provide both a close shave and a safe shave (i.e., a shave with minimal risk of cuts and nicks), and it is a principal object of this invention to provide a novel and improved shaving system having such characteristics. Recently plural edge shaving systems which provide enhanced shaving have become commerically available. It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel and improved shaving system having shaving characteristics comparable to such plural edge systems in which a single edge may be employed.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a shaving system that includes structure for supporting a member that has a cutting edge; structure for positioning the cutting edge member so that its cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line; and skin engaging structure such as a guard member that is positioned forwardly of and extends parallel to the predetermined line. Supplemental structure positioned between the skin engaging structure and the predetermined line has a hair engaging edge portion disposed parallel to the predetermined line. The hair engaging edge portion has an effective dimension relative to the diameter of hair elements to be shaved, and in the course of a normal shaving stroke, the edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those hair elements. This localized distortion is such that the edge portion exerts a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke. The force exerted on the individual hair elements is less than the pain threshold, that threshold for outward pull on beard hair generally being about 9-10 grams. In preferred embodirnents, the edge of the hair engaging edge portion has an effective radius in the range of 2-50 microns (which may be contrasted with the edge radius ofa new razor blade, a typical value of which is in the order of 0.03-0.05'microns, the diameter and the radius of the conventional guard which is in the order of 1,750 microns). The hair engaging edge portion is spaced from the predetermined line such that in a normal shaving stroke the hair element is pulled out and released prior to engagement by the cutting edge of the blade member.

The supplemental structure is a sturdy member which is made of suitable material such as plastic or metal. It provides a well-defined edge which is interposed between the conventional guard surface of relatively large radius and the platform structure and which projects forwardly (on the skin side) of a plane tangent to the leading edge of the platform and the guard structure. It is positioned between leading and following skin engaging surfaces (e.g., the guard and the blade edge); is preferably spaced forward of the blade edge a distance in the range of about three-quarters to two millimeters; and its perpendicular distance from a reference plane defined by the predetermined line and a tangent to the guard surface is preferably in the range of microns to +50 microns.

The invention provides an efficient shaving system with a single blade edge. In a particular geometry, an exceptionally close shave can be obtained without skin irritation, as the hair engaging element pulls the hair outwardly from the follicle for engagement and subsequent cutting by the blade edge. After the hair is cut, the root end recedes to its original position within the follicle, retracting the cut end so that effectively a closer shave is obtained than with a comparable single blade system.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be seen as the following description of particular embodiments progresses, in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa shaving system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a further enlarged view showing aspects of the geometryof the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic indication of the dynamic operation of the shaving system shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another shaving system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view, with parts broken away of the cartridge and handle components of the shaving system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing aspects of the geometry of the shaving system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another shaving system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view with parts broken away of the platform and handle component of the shaving system shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line l lll0 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the structure shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the cap member of the shaving system shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13l3 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the blade elements employed in the shaving system shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 17 is a further enlarged view showing aspects of the geometry of the shaving system shown in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS The razor system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a handle portion 10 and a head portion 12 in which a double edged blade B may be clamped for use in shaving. Head portion 12 includes guard structure 14, platform structure 16, and a pair of swingable cap sections 18 for clamping the blade B against the platform 16 with its cutting edges in shaving relation with respect to guard 14. Replacement of the blade B is effected by a system of mechanical elements which includes tubular.

handle member 20 and knob 22. Rotation of knob 22 moves stem 24 to which is secured a spider 26 on which are pivotally mounted cap sections 18. As the stem 24 and spider 26 moves up, in response to rotation of knob 22, cap projections 28 engage the under surfaces of the platform 16 causing the cap sections 18 to swing outwardly to a fully open position. In this position, an old blade may be removed and a new blade may be placed on the razor head, resting on platform 16. The new blade may be clamped on the platform by imparting reverse rotation to knob 22, lowering stem 24 and causing cap sections 18 to swing inwardly towards each other and into blade clamping position.

The blade B is fixed in position by guide structures carried by spider 26 to position the blade edge 30 in a predetermined position coincident with a predetermined reference line. A hair engaging supplemental member 32 having a hair engaging edge 34 is fixed in position between each guard 14 and platform 16. The edge 34 extends along a line parallel to the blade edge 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, member 32 is made of metal and is integral with the guard and platform structure and the edge 34 has a radius of 50 microns. Edge 34 is located so that it is positioned on the skinward side of plane 36 that extends from the forward edge of platform 16 to a tangent to the surface of guard 14; and in plane 38 that extends from blade edge 30 to a tangent to the surface of guard 14. In this position edge 34 may be considered to have zero exposure. The center of radius of edge 34 is positioned about one and one-half millimeters from edge 30 and about one and one-half millimeters from the tangent line of plane 38 on guard 14.

In a shaving stroke, the razor is positioned so that surfaces of guard 14 and cap 18 are in contact with the skin as shown in FIG. 4. As the razor is moved along the skin, the surface of guard 14 engages beard hair 40A and bends it over against the surface of the skin. Due to the relatively large radius of the guard surface, no significant outward force is exerted on the beard hair 40A. When the interposed edge 34 engages a beard hair (e.g., hair 408), however, due to its radius that is the same as the radius of a 100 micron diameter beard hair, it produces localized distortion as indicated diagrammatically at 42 in the nature of a grasping effect, and movement of the razor causes the edge 34 to exert a pulling force on the engaged hair element 408 that moves it outwardly from its hair follicle 44 as indicated by arrow 46. As movement of the razor continues, the beard hair (e.g., hair 40C) is released by edge 34, and starts to retract as indicated by the arrow 48. Before the beard hair 40C can return to its original location in its follicle, the movement of the razor causes blade edge 30 to engage the hair element 40C and that movement drives the cutting edge 30 through the beard hair in a severing action. After the beard hair has been severed, the cut end (e.g., of diagrammatically indicated hair element 40D) is further retracted by the action of the hair follicle as indicated by the arrow 50.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. -7. With reference to FIGS 5 and 6, the shaving system there illustrated includes a razor blade cartridge 52 arranged to be secured in a handle member 54. This razor structure is generally of the type shown in Nissen US. Pat. No. 3,262,198, issued July 26, 1966.

The cartridge member 52 includes a platform structure 56 on which a band blade B is disposed. Blade B extends from supply chamber 58 across platform 56 and is connected to a takeup arbor which is driven in rotation by handle 60. Overlying platform 56 are four projections 62 which assist in maintaining the blade B on the platform. Guide surfaces 64 at the rear of platform 56 provides a reference for positioning the blade edge 66 in a predetermined position. When the cartridge 52 is inserted in the handle 54, cap portion 68 of the handle clamps the blade B against platform 56 as indicated in FIG. 6.

Formed integrally and disposed forwardly of platform 56 is a guard structure 70, and disposed between platform 56 and guard structure 70 is a supplemental member 72 which defines at its leading edge a hair engaging edge structure 74 that has an effective edge radius of about thirty microns. Edge structure 74 is supported in spaced relation between platform 56 and guard 70 by spaced ribs 76 such that edge 74 extends parallel to the cutting edge 66 of blade B.

As shown in the diagrammatic view of FIG. 7, edge 74 is located so that it is positioned on the skinward side of plane 36 that extends from the forward edge of platform 56 to a tangent to the surface of guard 70; and twenty microns above plane 38' that extends from blade edge 66 to a tangent to the surface of guard 70. In this position, edge 74 may be considered to have positive exposure with respect to the skin engaging surfaces immediately forward and to the rear of that edge structure. In this embodiment, edge 74 is positioned about one millimeter from edge 66 and about one millimeter from the tangent line of plane 38' on guard 70. In other embodiments, guard 70 and/or supplemental structure 72 may be arranged for adjustment over a limited range of positions to vary the geometry of the shaving system. The operation of this shaving system is similar to the operation of the system described above in connection with FIG. 4, edge 74 producing localized distortion of the hair element that it engages and pulling the engaged hair element outwardly from its hair follicle as the shaving system is moved along the skin, and then releasing the hair element prior to cutting by blade edge 66.

Still another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8-17. That razor system includes a base member and a cap member 102, each molded of high impact polystyrene. As seen in FIGS. 9-11, the lower portion of the base member forms a handle portion 104 and the upper portion forms a head portion 106 which includes two spaced surfaces 108 and a downwardly curved surface 110 intermediate surfaces 108 which forms a recess or depression. Spaced above surface 110 is a bridge structure 112, the lower surface 114 of which is curved complementary to surface 110 so that an open area is defined between surfaces 110 and 114. Formed in bridge structure 112 are two inclined platform structures 116 and two associated supplemental structures 118. Each supplemental member 118 has a width of about threequarter millimeter and its upper surface 120 is inclined at an angle of 15. Hair element grasping edge 122, formed between surface 120 and the inner vertical wall of supplemental member 118, has a radius of about 20 microns. The inner walls of members 118 are spaced about one and one-half millimeters apart and the adjacent edges of the two blade support platforms 116 are spaced about four millimeters apart. Ribs 124 extend between platform structures 116 and the supplemental structures 118. There are two rectangular apertures 126 in each platform structure; two recesses 128 at the rear edge of each platform structure; and a latch recess 130 is formed at either end of each platform.

The cap component 102, details of which may be seen in FIGS. 12-14, is designed to fit on the bridge structure 112 of the base component. The cap compo- I nent includes a generally rectangular frame 136 which has two side members 138 and two end members 140. Projecting inwardly from each side member 138 is a cantilevered cap portion 142, which is inclined upwardly at an angle of about 25 and has a clamp surface 144 at its outer end and two blade aligning webs 146 adjacent at its inner end. Two pins 148 extend downwardly from each cap 142. Two latch structures 150 project inwardly from each end member 140. Each latch structure includes a lower camming surface 152 and an upper latch surface 154. Also carried by each end member 140 are two aligning projections 156. Frame surface 158 is adapted to seat on surfaces 108 of the base with pins 148 extending through apertures 126 when latch surfaces 154 are in cooperating engagement with latch recess 130 of the base.

Two blade elements 160 are employed in this shaving system, each of which has a sharpened blade edge 162, two apertures 164, and a rear blade edge 166, as shown in FIG. 15.

The assembled relationship of blades 160, base component 100 and cap component 102 may be seen in FIG. 16. In assembly, each blade 160 is positioned with cap pins 148 extending through apertures 164 with each end ofa blade edge 162 in engagement with aligning projections 156 and the rear edge 166 of each blade resting on the inclined surfaces 168 of aligning webs 146. Thus the major portion of the body of each blade 160 is supported clear of the cap 142 so that the blade edge 162 slides forwardly against alignment projections 156. The base 100 is then attached to the cap 102 by inserting pins 148 into apertures 126 and forcing camming latch surfaces 152 past the cooperating latch recesses 130 of the base to secure the cap and base together. In this position, cap frame surface 158 is seated on base surfaces 108, as indicated in FIG. 16.

The resulting geometry isindicated in FlG. 17. As there indicated, each edge 122 is located on the skinward side of the plane 170 that extends from forward edge 123 of each platform 1 16 to the other supplemental edge 122; and about 50 microns above the plane 172 that is defined by the blade edge 162 and the other supplemental edge 122 (a slight positive exposure). Each edge 162 is positioned about 50 microns above the plane 174 defined by the immediately adjacent supplemental edge 122 and a tangent to cap 142.

The arrangement provides a bi-directional shaving system in which shaving may be effected with a stroke in either of two opposite directions. In each shaving stroke, the leading blade and the leading supplemental member 118 function as guard structures which slide over the hair elements. However, the edge 122 of the supplemental structure 118 closer to the active blade edge 162 functions to grasp and exert a pulling force on the engaged hair elements to move them outwardly of the hair follicles. The grasped hair elements are released prior to engagement by the cutting edge 162 and are retracting into their follicles when they are engaged by the active cutting edge 162 which is driven through the hair elements in a severing action. After the hair elements have been severed, their cut ends are retracted by action of their hair follicles. Reversal of the direction of the shaving stroke brings the other cutting edge 162 into action, together with its adjacent edge structure 122. The spaces between the supplemental members 118 and platforms 116 provide flow passages for removal of debris from the shaving area and the large opening between surfaces and 114 facilitate flushing of shaving material from the razor.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore it is not intended that the invention be limited to the disclosed embodiments or to details thereof and departures may be made therefrom within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A shaving system comprising:

molded plastic structure for supporting a cutting edge member that has a cutting edge,

structure for positioning the cutting edge member so that its cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line,

molded plastic skin engaging structure positioned forwardly of and extending generally parallel to said predetermined line, and

supplemental molded plastic structure integral with said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure fixed in position between said skin engaging structure and said predetermined line; and spaced from both said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure; said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion disposed parallel to said predetermined line, said hair engaging edge portion having an effective radius in the range of 2-50 microns such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke.

2. A shaving system comprising:

molded plastic structure for supporting a cutting edge member that has a cutting edge,

structure for positioning the cutting edge member so that its cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line,

molded plastic skin engaging structure positioned forwardly of and extending generally parallel to said predetermined line, and

supplemental molded plastic structure integral with said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure fixed in position between said skin engaging structure and said predetermined line; and spaced from both said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure; said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion disposed in the range of about three-quarters to two millimeters from and parallel to said predetermined line, said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke.

3. A shaving system comprising:

molded plastic structure for supporting a cutting edge member that has a cutting edge,

structure for positioning the cutting edge member so that its cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line,

molded plastic skin engaging structure positioned forwardly of and extending generally parallel to said predetermined line, a surface of said skin engaging structure and said predetermined line defining a plane, and

supplemental molded plastic structure integral with said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure fixed in position between said skin engaging structure and said predetermined line; and spaced from both said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure; said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion disposed parallel to said predetermined line, the perpendicular distance of said hair engaging edge portion from said plane being in the range of 20 to +50 microns, said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said cutting edge member is a blade member that is disposed at an angle in the range of.20-32 to said plane.

5. A shaving system comprising:

a platform member of molded plastic material,

a planar blade member having a forward sharpened cutting edge and a rear edge,

a cap member of molded plastic material, said cap member including a first alignment surface engaging said forward edge of said blade member, said cap member further including a second surface located rearwardly of said first alignment surface,

said rear edge of said blade member resting on said second surface so that the major portion of said blade member between said forward edge and said rear edge is supported clear of said cap member, said second surface being inclined with respect to the plane of said blade and tending to cause said rear edge of said blade member to slide forwardly along said second surface so that said blade member is urged forwardly toward said first surface to move said forward edge into engagement with said first alignment surface, said blade member being clamped between said platform member and said cap member, and means permanently securing said platform member, said blade member and said cap member together as a rigid unit.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first alignment surface includes a pair of spaced aligning projections and said second surface includes a pair of spaced aligning webs, each having an inclined surface engaging the rear edge of said blade member and 6 a molded plastic member having a platform portion,

a guard portion and supplemental structure integral with said platform portion and said guard portion, fixed in position between and spaced from both said platform portion and said guard portion so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure, a blade member having a forward sharpened cutting edge and a rear edge, a molded plastic cap member, said guard portion being positioned forwardly of said platform portion, said blade member being adapted to be clamped between said platform portion and said cap member so that said cutting edge is spaced from said guard member, said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion disposed in the range of about three-quarters to two millimeters from and parallel to said cutting edge, said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produced localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke, and means for securing said platform portion, said blade member and said cap member together as a shaving unit.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7 wherein a surface of said skin engaging structure and said cutting edge define a plane and the perpendicular distance of said hair engaging edge portion from said plane is in the range of 20 to microns.

9. The shaving system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the edge of said hair engaging edge portion has an effective radius in the range of 2-50 microns.

10. The system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said blade member is disposed at an angle in the range of 2032 to said plane.

11. A shaving system comprising:

first and second blade members, each said blade member having a cutting edge;

structure for supporting said first and second blade members in symmetrical, opposed relation so that each cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line;

supplemental structure integral with said supporting structure, fixed in position between said cutting edges and spaced from said supporting structure so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure;

said supplemental structure having first and second hair engaging edge portions disposed parallel to said cutting edges, each said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke,

each said cutting edge and the hair engaging edge portion further from that cutting edge defining a plane,

the hair engaging edge portion nearer that cutting being located in the range of 20 to +Smicrons perpendicular distance from said plane, and each said blade member being disposed at an angle in the range of 2032 to the plane defined by it and the further hair engaging edge portion.

12. A shaving system comprising:

first and second blade members, each said blade member having a forward sharpened cutting edge and a rear edge, a platform member of molded plastic material, said platform member including two spaced blade support portions, said first and second blade members being disposed on respective support portions with their sharpened cutting edges in spaced opposed relation,

supplemental structure integral with and spaced from both'said support portionsand fixed in position between said opposed cutting edges so that an open slot is provided on either side-of said'supplemental structure, said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion associated with each said cutting edge, each said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls th'em outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke,

a cap member of molded plastic material, said cap member including first alignment surface means engaging the forward edges of said blade members and inclined alignment surface means, the rear edge of each said blade member resting on said inclined surface means so that the major portion of each said blade member is supported clear of said cap member, said rear edge of said blade member tending to slide forwardly along said inclined surface to urge said blade member into engagement with said first alignment surface, said blade member being clamped between said platform member and said cap member, and means permanently securing said platform member, said blade members 1 and said cap member together as a rigid unit. 13. The shaving system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the edge of said hair engaging edge portion has an effective radius in the range of 2-50 microns.

14. A shaving system comprising: first and second blade members, each said blade member having a forward sharpened cutting edge and a rear edge, a platform member, a cap member, said blade members being clamped between said platform member and said cap member with their sharpened cutting edges in spaced opposed relation, supplementalstructure integral with said platform member and fixed in position between said 'opposed cutting edges so that an open slot is provided on either sideof said supplemental structure, said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion positioned in the range of about threequarters to two millimeters from each said cutting edge, each said hair engaging edge portion having an effective radius in the range of two to fifty microns such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke, each said cutting edge and the hair engaging edge portion further from that cutting edge defining a plane, 1 the hair engaging'edge portion nearer that cutting being located in the range of 20 to +50 microns perpendicular distance from said plane, and each said blade member being disposed at an angle in the range of 2032 to the plane defined by it an the further hair engaging edge portion. 

1. A shaving system comprising: molded plastic structure for supporting a cutting edge member that has a cutting edge, structure for positioning the cutting edge member so that its cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line, molded plastic skin engaging structure positioned forwardly of and extending generally parallel to said predetermined line, and supplemental molded plastic structure integral with said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure fixed in position between said skin engaging structure and said predetermined line; and spaced from both said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure; said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion disposed parallel to said predetermined line, said hair engaging edge portion having an effective radius in the range of 2-50 microns such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a graspinG effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke.
 2. A shaving system comprising: molded plastic structure for supporting a cutting edge member that has a cutting edge, structure for positioning the cutting edge member so that its cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line, molded plastic skin engaging structure positioned forwardly of and extending generally parallel to said predetermined line, and supplemental molded plastic structure integral with said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure fixed in position between said skin engaging structure and said predetermined line; and spaced from both said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure; said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion disposed in the range of about three-quarters to two millimeters from and parallel to said predetermined line, said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke.
 3. A shaving system comprising: molded plastic structure for supporting a cutting edge member that has a cutting edge, structure for positioning the cutting edge member so that its cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line, molded plastic skin engaging structure positioned forwardly of and extending generally parallel to said predetermined line, a surface of said skin engaging structure and said predetermined line defining a plane, and supplemental molded plastic structure integral with said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure fixed in position between said skin engaging structure and said predetermined line; and spaced from both said supporting structure and said skin engaging structure so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure; said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion disposed parallel to said predetermined line, the perpendicular distance of said hair engaging edge portion from said plane being in the range of -20 to +50 microns, said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke.
 4. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said cutting edge member is a blade member that is disposed at an angle in the range of 20*-32* to said plane.
 5. A shaving system comprising: a platform member of molded plastic material, a planar blade member having a forward sharpened cutting edge and a rear edge, a cap member of molded plastic material, said cap member including a first alignment surface engaging said forward edge of said blade member, said cap member further including a second surface located rearwardly of said first alignment surface, said rear edge of said blade member resting on said second surface so that the major portion of said blade member between said forward edge and said rear edge is supported clear of said cap member, said second surface being inclined with respect to the plane of said blade and tending to cause said rear edge of said blade member to slide forwardLy along said second surface so that said blade member is urged forwardly toward said first surface to move said forward edge into engagement with said first alignment surface, said blade member being clamped between said platform member and said cap member, and means permanently securing said platform member, said blade member and said cap member together as a rigid unit.
 6. The system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first alignment surface includes a pair of spaced aligning projections and said second surface includes a pair of spaced aligning webs, each having an inclined surface engaging the rear edge of said blade member and urging the blade member forwardly so that said cutting edge is in engagement with said aligning projections.
 7. A shaving system comprising: a molded plastic member having a platform portion, a guard portion and supplemental structure integral with said platform portion and said guard portion, fixed in position between and spaced from both said platform portion and said guard portion so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure, a blade member having a forward sharpened cutting edge and a rear edge, a molded plastic cap member, said guard portion being positioned forwardly of said platform portion, said blade member being adapted to be clamped between said platform portion and said cap member so that said cutting edge is spaced from said guard member, said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion disposed in the range of about three-quarters to two millimeters from and parallel to said cutting edge, said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produced localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke, and means for securing said platform portion, said blade member and said cap member together as a shaving unit.
 8. The system as claimed in claim 7 wherein a surface of said skin engaging structure and said cutting edge define a plane and the perpendicular distance of said hair engaging edge portion from said plane is in the range of -20 to +50 microns.
 9. The shaving system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the edge of said hair engaging edge portion has an effective radius in the range of 2-50 microns.
 10. The system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said blade member is disposed at an angle in the range of 20*-32* to said plane.
 11. A shaving system comprising: first and second blade members, each said blade member having a cutting edge; structure for supporting said first and second blade members in symmetrical, opposed relation so that each cutting edge is disposed along a predetermined line; supplemental structure integral with said supporting structure, fixed in position between said cutting edges and spaced from said supporting structure so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure; said supplemental structure having first and second hair engaging edge portions disposed parallel to said cutting edges, each said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke, each said cutting edge and the hair engaging edge portion further from that cutting edge defining a plane, the hair engaging edge portion nearer that Cutting being located in the range of -20 to +50 microns perpendicular distance from said plane, and each said blade member being disposed at an angle in the range of 20*-32* to the plane defined by it and the further hair engaging edge portion.
 12. A shaving system comprising: first and second blade members, each said blade member having a forward sharpened cutting edge and a rear edge, a platform member of molded plastic material, said platform member including two spaced blade support portions, said first and second blade members being disposed on respective support portions with their sharpened cutting edges in spaced opposed relation, supplemental structure integral with and spaced from both said support portions and fixed in position between said opposed cutting edges so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure, said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion associated with each said cutting edge, each said hair engaging edge portion having an effective dimension relative to the dimension of hair elements to be shaved such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke, a cap member of molded plastic material, said cap member including first alignment surface means engaging the forward edges of said blade members and inclined alignment surface means, the rear edge of each said blade member resting on said inclined surface means so that the major portion of each said blade member is supported clear of said cap member, said rear edge of said blade member tending to slide forwardly along said inclined surface to urge said blade member into engagement with said first alignment surface, said blade member being clamped between said platform member and said cap member, and means permanently securing said platform member, said blade members and said cap member together as a rigid unit.
 13. The shaving system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the edge of said hair engaging edge portion has an effective radius in the range of 2-50 microns.
 14. A shaving system comprising: first and second blade members, each said blade member having a forward sharpened cutting edge and a rear edge, a platform member, a cap member, said blade members being clamped between said platform member and said cap member with their sharpened cutting edges in spaced opposed relation, supplemental structure integral with said platform member and fixed in position between said opposed cutting edges so that an open slot is provided on either side of said supplemental structure, said supplemental structure having a hair engaging edge portion positioned in the range of about three-quarters to two millimeters from each said cutting edge, each said hair engaging edge portion having an effective radius in the range of two to fifty microns such that in the course of a normal shaving stroke said edge portion engages hair elements and produces localized distortion in those engaged hair elements to exert a grasping effect on the individual engaged hair elements which pulls them outwardly from their hair follicles as the shaving system is moved over the skin surface in a shaving stroke, each said cutting edge and the hair engaging edge portion further from that cutting edge defining a plane, the hair engaging edge portion nearer that cutting being located in the range of -20 to +50 microns perpendicular distance from said plane, and each said blade member being disposed at an angle in the range of 20*-32* to the plane defined by it and the further hair engaging edge portion. 